Leadership = Innovation

Focused paths to success

Gies continues to play a leadership role in undergraduate and advanced accountancy degrees, all designed to meet the increased demand for graduates who can turn data into insights and apply the latest technologies to complex problems.

The success of the department’s graduate programs in accounting led to the development of its newest undergraduate degree, a BS in Accountancy + Data Science (ACCY + DS). Launched in 2022, the ACCY + DS degree enables students to combine in-depth knowledge of data with industry and functional expertise. It was created to meet the growing demand for accountants, auditors, and tax consultants who have a native fluency in data, a natural facility for analyzing it, and an ability to communicate insights from that analysis.

“We were one of the first accounting departments to include data analytics into our curriculum, made possible by our close collaboration with The Grainger College of Engineering and other units on campus,” said Gies Assistant Professor Kim Mendoza, who is also the associate academic director of the University of Illinois-Deloitte Foundation Center for Business Analytics.

“Our innovative response to the effect data is having on the accounting industry makes our programs stand apart,” said Michael Donohoe, head of Gies’ Department of Accountancy. “Students can count on a cutting-edge curriculum and high job placement rates.”

The department offers three graduate accountancy programs – all STEM-designated – that are designed to meet learners wherever they are in their educational journey and prepare them to sit for the CPA exam:

The Master of Accounting Science (MAS) degree is a nine-month residential program for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting. In five years, the number MAS students from underrepresented populations has nearly doubled to 16%, and 98% of 2022 graduates secured a position within six months of graduation.

Those with undergraduate degrees in other majors who want an on-campus experience can earn a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree and pursue jobs as financial advisors, forensic accountants, consultants, and more with a three-semester commitment. Ninety-three percent of 2022 graduates secured a position within six months of graduation.

Head, Department of Accountancy

PwC Faculty Fellow

The department also offers an online Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA) degree program, tailored to those already working in the field or who don’t want to uproot their lives to attend an on-campus program. They can earn this degree in two years as a part-time student.

“Few accounting programs offer this depth of curricula,” said Mendoza. “Students participate in active learning and real client experiences where they can learn how to turn large amounts of information into a concise analysis.”

Jay Estes (ACCY + DS ’25)

The combination of accounting and data science gives me a strong foundation in financial accounting principles and has helped me realize how powerful and useful data science can be.

I have learned valuable skills in the basic principles of accounting, data analysis, and data visualization, and also have been able to explore using data related to social media, finance, health issues, and housing demographics.

My immediate goal is to secure an internship where I can bring value by helping them effectively analyze financial data, identify pattern and trends, and provide relevant information that can be used to make informed decisions, solve problems and take action.

Joan Tessalonika (ACCY ’19, MAS ’20) FSO Assurance Senior in Wealth Asset Management, EY

I transferred to Gies as a junior and found the MAS program the perfect way to expand my knowledge base and become eligible for the two-year internship process with the Big Four accounting firms. I really enjoyed ACCY 517: Financial Statement Analysis because it gave me the opportunity to apply the theory I’ve learned to real-life situations.

I added a data analytics concentration to give me another way to differentiate myself from other candidates. With this path I earned the additional credits needed to sit for the CPA exam and was able to simultaneously focus on studying for it so I was ready to start my first job at EY as soon as I graduated.

Alanna Roman Abreu (MSA ’23) Tax associate, EY

My experience at Gies has helped me confirm that I have found the right career path. The MSA program has given me a strong foundation in general accounting and tax regulations and laws. Ultimately, it has prepared me to help companies in their financial planning by assisting in their understanding of and compliance with tax obligations.

Gies understands that there can be some cultural barriers for international students, particularly when you come from a very different culture, and they help you overcome them and feel at home. This creates a better learning experience – one in which I was encouraged to contribute, be proactive, think creatively, and communicate.